Michael L. Williams

The board addressed four main cases. This included considering applications for rehearing regarding a solar-powered electric generation facility in Morrow County, an opinion and order for a transmission line rebuild project, a finding and order regarding rule amendments required by House Bill 15, and an order concerning an amendment to an existing certificate of environmental compatibility and public need.

The board reviewed and approved four applications regarding certificates of environmental compatibility and public need. These included the construction of the Youngstown 138 kV Reinforcement Project, the installation of a simple cycle turbine power generating facility in Fayette County, a third amendment to the certificate for the Blue Creek Wind Farm, and an amendment regarding a laydown yard for the Wheatsborough Solar project.

The board reviewed and acted upon several applications. Actions included the approval of a waiver request for the Columbia Gas of Ohio Ford Street Pipeline project, the consideration and denial of an application for the Crossroads Solar I, LLC electric generation facility, and the approval of second amendments to the certificates for the Flint Grid, LLC and Union Ridge Solar, LLC projects.

The Board meeting focused on considering several cases and acting upon proposed Entries and Orders. Key agenda items included an Order on rehearing for the application by CG Fulton County LLC for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need, where Ad Hoc members expressed significant concerns regarding local impact, public opposition, drainage issues, and procedural fairness. The Board also approved Orders on certificate considering applications for amendments related to the Powell Creek Solar, LLC project, the Pleasant Prairie Solar Energy Project, and the Grover Hill Wind Farm Project.

The meeting addressed several case applications requiring opinions, orders, and entries. Key discussions involved the application by CG Fulton County LLC for a Solar Facility and Transmission Line, where a dissenting vote highlighted significant local opposition (84.2% opposed based on a local survey), despite the motion ultimately being approved 7-2. Other actions included the approval of applications for a Natural Gas-Fired Generation Facility in New Albany, an entry considering the withdrawal request for the Millersport Energy Center, the adoption of new rules related to Substitute House Bill Number 15, and an order regarding a certificate amendment application by Dixon Run Solar, LLC. The Board also recognized a member, Jim Odell, upon his retirement.